West London Varsity: Dance justifies its inclusion

Centre stage of the rugby pitch at West London Varsity, the spotlight wasn’t just on football, rugby, or athletics. This year, the St Mary’s dance team performed, reigniting a long-standing debate: should dance be considered a sport?

Varsity Day is an annual tradition celebrating the school’s top sports teams, with football, basketball, and rugby often taking the spotlight. However, this year, the dance team was given a prime slot to showcase their talent, a long-overdue acknowledgment of their hard work and dedication. 

The sports club welcomes dancers of all experience levels, offering opportunities to learn something new each day and track their growth. The team competes in two to three events annually, with the season concluding in a final dance showcase.

The team recently placed third at the Royal Holloway competition and their Varsity Day performance was a reflection of the same discipline, endurance, and coordination that helped them succeed at a competitive level.

The Debate: Is dance a sport?

While the recognition at Varsity Day was a step forward, it also revived the long-standing discussion about whether dance should be officially classified as a sport. Many argue that dancers demonstrate the same level of physical endurance, talent, and competitiveness as athletes in traditional sports. The athleticism required in competitive dance includes strength, flexibility, muscle memory, balance, and stamina – all essential components of any sport.

However, some critics contend that dance is more of an art form than a sport. Unlike traditional athletics, competitive dance lacks standardised scoring systems and direct head-to-head competition. The subjectivity in judging, with a focus on interpretation, expression, and creativity, makes it difficult to classify dance in the same way as football or wrestling, where outcomes are measured by tangible results such as points or goals.

Still, organisations like the International Olympic Committee recognise dance as an athletic discipline, and competitive dance leagues continue to grow worldwide. Schools across the country are increasingly including dance teams in their athletic departments, providing them with the same resources as other sports teams.

For the St Mary’s University dance team, performing at Varsity Day was more than just a routine – it was a statement. Their presence at one of the school’s biggest sporting events reflects a growing shift in recognition and attitudes toward dance.

The Sports Gazette is providing the official cover of the West London Varsity follow the live blog for updates